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Democracy International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that was formally established in June 2011 as a registered membership association according to German non-profit law (eingetragener Verein e.V.). Hitherto Democracy International had existed as a loose network of democracy activists since 2002. The headquarters are based in Cologne, Germany.

Democracy International is an independent membership organisation funded by fees and individual donations​.

"The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy." Charles de Montesquieu

There are people all around the world who commit their lives to strengthening citizens' participation and direct democracy. Democracy International supports such democracy activists in building campaigns and organisations. It shares knowledge and legal expertise on direct democracy. Also Democracy International campaigns for more democracy at the transnational level. Democracy International's goals are to give citizens a direct say in political decision-making and to make governments more accountable.